The Horsemen

Summary:In the barren north of feudal Afghanistan, status is derived by success in buskashi, an ancient form of polo in which men on horseback viciously fight over the carcass of a dead calf or sheep. Young Uraz tries to live up to the standards of his father Tursen, a former champion at the sport. After defeating all of the local men, Uraz goes to Kabul to compete where he will win continued status for his family as well as retaining the horse that they all cherish if he triumphs. Uraz gives it his all, but loses the match and his leg is badly broken in the process. Obstinately refusing to recover in the hospital, Uraz tries to return home on what is almost certainly a suicidal trip.